A Virgin Airlines flight has been forced to make an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport after an engine fire.
The flight from Queenstown to Melbourne reportedly experienced engine trouble on take off.
Flames were seen coming from the engine and witnesses reported hearing loud bangs.
A Queenstown Airport spokeswoman said: ‘Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 5.59pm, bound for Melbourne. It experienced an issue just after takeoff and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport.’
A witness saw the aircraft flying overhead.
‘It was making one hell of a pulsing/throbbing noise out of one engine then it was shooting flames out – maybe hit a bird?’ Nick Lambert said.
Another witness said: ‘Sounded like it was coming apart over our house. One engine was throwing flames and sputtering out.’
73 people were believed to be on board the aircraft at the time, with both a passenger and crew member reported to be injured after the emergency landing.
In a statement Virgin Australia Chief Operations Officer Stuart Aggs said: ‘Virgin Australia flight VA148 from Queenstown to Melbourne diverted to Invercargill Airport and landed safely following a possible bird strike on take-off this evening.
The aircraft has been met by emergency services at Invercargill Airport.
The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority.’
More to come.
A Virgin Airlines Flight has been forced to make an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport after an engine fire
Flames were seen coming from the engine and witnesses reported hearing loud bangs
